AN INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY BENEFIT MELISSA BIEL, RN, DPA

WHAT IS COMMUNITY BENEFIT? Programs or activities that provide treatment, directly influence access to care and/or promote health and healing as a response to community needs in order to improve the health status of a community. Source: CHA. A Guide for Planning & Reporting Community Benefit. IRS Ruling  To qualify from exemption from Federal income tax, hospitals must meet the community benefit standard to “…promote the health of a class of persons that is broad enough to benefit the community”

COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES 1. Must address an identified community need. 2. Must meet at least one of the following objectives: a. Improve access to health care services b. Enhance health of the community c. Advance medical or health care knowledge d. Relieve/reduce the burden of government or other community efforts e. Source: CHA. A Guide for Planning & Reporting Community Benefit.

FEDERAL REGULATIONS Community Benefit

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), Enacted in 2010, Sets Forth Requirements For Nonprofit Hospitals Under § 501(r) of the Internal Revenue Code. There Are a Number of Regulations For Tax-exempt Hospitals.  Conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) every three years, identify significant health needs, and develop an Implementation Strategy to address the needs identified by the CHNA.  Establish written financial assistance and emergency medical care policies.  Limit the amounts charged for emergency or other medically necessary care to individuals eligible for assistance under the hospital's financial assistance policy (FAP).  Make reasonable efforts to determine an individual’s eligibility for assistance under the hospital’s financial assistance policy before engaging in extraordinary collection actions against the individual.

 Tax exempt hospitals are required to report annually to the IRS on Form 990 Schedule H.  Reporting includes community benefit financial data and responses to questions that track compliance with the 501(r) rules.

STATE REGULATIONS Community Benefit

 In 2013, 23 states had requirements for community benefit  In addition to federal community benefit standards, some states also have requirements for hospitals located within the state to maintain state tax exemption. While there may be similarities in federal and state requirements, the regulations may not align. State regulations may be more or less rigorous than the Federal requirements.

CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY BENEFIT  1994, SB 697 state level community benefit legislation passed.  Requires nonprofit hospitals to conduct a community health needs assessment every three years.  Requires annual community benefit plan financial and narrative reporting to be submitted to the state.  The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) has responsibility for monitoring community benefit at the state level.  Hospital plans are publicly posted.

THINKING ABOUT COMMUNITY BENEFIT ..

WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH HOSPITALS Tips for Success

CONNECT WITH HOSPITALS  Relationships are crucial.  Do your homework.  Participate in community planning efforts.  Be prepared.  Know hospital levers  Have examples of successes.  Impact and ROI are key.

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